Early winter · Weather & things to do
Copenhagen in December
Copenhagen cools off: highs slip to 40°F (4°C), from 46°F in November, with lows of 35°F (1°C) and about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 39/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 40°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 35°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 84%
- Daylight
- ~6 h 47 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 40°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Nights cool to an average low of 35°F (1°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.5 in (63 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 84%.
Daylight is short, roughly 6 h 47 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 6 h 47 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 50/100 in November to 39/100.
- Our Scandinavian Capitals route recommends Jun – Aug, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Copenhagen, Odense & Aarhus route is planned for Mid-Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 35°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Copenhagen in December
With highs near 40°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Netto-Bådene canal tour
Budget hour-long harbor and canal cruise past the Little Mermaid and the Opera.
Christiansborg Palace Tower
The tower of the parliament palace has a free observation deck over the old city's rooftops and spires.
Rundetaarn
17th-century observatory tower climbed by a spiral ramp, with rooftop views.
Hviids Vinstue
Wine bar on Kongens Nytorv dating from 1723, crowded in December for its gløgg with almonds and raisins.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 40°F.
Mikkeller Bar
Original Vesterbro bar of the Danish craft brewer, with 20 taps.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Tivoli Gardens
Amusement park and gardens from 1843, best when lit up at night.
Nearby in December
- Odense in December~87 mi · highs 40°F, 2.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Aarhus in December~97 mi · highs 40°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Berlin in December~221 mi · highs 38°F, 1.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
- Potsdam in December~228 mi · highs 38°F, 1.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Copenhagen in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Copenhagen?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 39/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 40°F (4°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain. Our Scandinavian Capitals route recommends Jun – Aug, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Copenhagen in December?
Average highs are 40°F (4°C) and average lows 35°F (1°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Copenhagen in December?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 27.4 in (697 mm).
What should I pack for Copenhagen in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 35°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Copenhagen
Routes in season in December
- Copenhagen, Odense & Aarhus Mid-Nov – Dec
Planning Copenhagen in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.